Persistent, heavy rainfall for southern and central Queensland coastal regions

17/10/2017

A coastal trough is driving persistent, heavy rainfall again today for coastal regions from Bundaberg as far north as Proserpine, including Gladstone and Rockhampton and Mackay.

Overnight the trough shifted further north, and severe weather warnings remain in place for further heavy rainfall today.

A Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments for Capricornia and Central Coast districts, and flood warnings have also been issued.

Due to the slow moving nature of this system continued river rises can be expected.

Widespread heavy falls were recorded for the coastal strip between Noosa and Gladstone with a large number of sites recording over 100mm.

The highest falls were in the adjacent inland regions from Agnes Waters and Noosa (24 hour rainfall totals to 9am):

Agnes Waters adjacent inland region:

• Westwood Range 373mm
• Captain Creek 314mm
• Miriam Vale 268mm
• Makowata 187mm

Noosa adjacent inland region:

• Eumundi 206mm
• Ball Lookout 198mm

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is urging the public to stay tuned for the latest official forecasts and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, and follow the advice of local emergency services. Avoid travel if possible while warnings are in place and remember: if it’s flooded, forget it.

The Bureau began issuing Severe Weather Warnings yesterday for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding. Six-hourly rainfall totals in the 120-180mm range were predicted, and overnight rainfall recorded to 9am today (above) was consistent with this forecast.

Warnings will be updated as required, as this is a dynamic and changing forecast scenario.

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The Bureau's website remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive official source of information: www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings